Filed under: Head Chick's Corner | Tags: Grenadier Mountains, Head Chick, Head Chick's Corner, Kim Reynolds, San Juan Mountains, Teddy Guest
There is a beauty in the simplicity (one of my current favorite phrases) of carrying what I need in my backpack and heading into the hills. In fact, it’s been a while since I’ve slung a heavy load into the remote regions of my own backyard …the Grenadier Range outside of Silverton Colorado.
Kim humping her load to Ruby Lake
It is truly an astounding group of peaks to feast your eyes upon and a bit of a hump to get to! During our morning workout, my girlfriend Teddy, suggested we head into the mountains for the weekend after hearing what a beautiful spot Ruby Lake is. I love spontaneity and two days later, we were on the train from Silverton heading to Needleton, our starting point.
It’s an amazing train system that heads deeper into the mountainous gorge along the Animus River, a class five kayak run I paddled many years ago, going deeper and deeper into the range. The trail to Ruby Lake is steep and a little obscure – it took 3 hours to climb 2600 ft (give or take) for about 4 miles. All up, up, up.
Home Sweet Home
Upon arrival – the sun was setting with an orange glow on the lake, the peaks rose 3000 ft out of the like towering above us, and best of all, no one was in sight. The next drainage over is Chicago basin where everyone and their brother goes to bag the 14ers and we heard that a small group of about 30 people shared that experience.
From the top of Turret Peak 13,800 ft
Instead of bagging one of those classics, I prefer the 13ers where there is less (no) traffic and more adventurous trails with route finding. The following day we climbed 3000 ft to the top of Turret Peak next to Pigeon with not a soul in site. I love that. I gazed out over the Weminuche Wilderness, an area I spent the summer of 1982 working for Outward Bound – I felt a touch of nostalgic for those carefree days of living out of my backpack, truck and base camps. Back then, I experienced a strong sense of purpose imparting my knowledge of climbing and the outdoors to the groups I traveled with.
It was always fascinating to watch the internal journey unfold for each participant as they faced fears, did something they never dreamed they’d do and generally pushed their personal limits.
Teddy & Kim
I think that is where I became intrigued with the depths a human can go in the midst of discovering their potential achieved through adventure. It has always true for me but it is even more of a privilege to witness it in others. I think that period of my life really shaped who I am today….still adventuring and leading people into those unexplored places of their soul, stretching and trying something new. It’s also true that my most meaningful friendships have been made through adventures and shared experiences living on the edge.
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Chicksclimbing's Blog 
Kim, I love that sweet little tent! I’d like to get back in there and check out the Ruby Lake area, too. I’ve never wanted to be labeled a “peak bagger” and studiously avoided 14ers for many years. The Chicago Basin is really classic, though, and despite the number of back packs being thrown from the train, we saw very few people on the peaks. I’d like to get back in there for some trad climbing of the surrounding peaks- beautiful granite. I guess I’ll need some lessons with Chicks Rock in order to rise to that occasion!
Comment by Hillary Nitschke September 1, 2009 @ 4:13 amI believe that every experience in the mountains is worthwhile…even bagging the 14ers. 🙂 Especially those accessible from Chicago Basin! Since I bagged em years ago, i can be all righteous and head elsewhere now. I’ve always been a little against the grain anyway.
Comment by chicksclimbing September 1, 2009 @ 1:31 pmThe Head Chick
Keep up the great life! Always great to keep up with the China crew, when possible.
Remember, despite having the highest point east of the Rockies (Clue: It starts with “H”), it is all downhill this way if you can come by to visit.
Andrea and I adventure mostly by chasing cows across the wild western Elk Range at our Rock House Ranch on the Wyoming Border. Wander up for a wild horseback change if possible! Dave
Comment by Davey Lamb September 1, 2009 @ 6:49 pmThanks Dave
Comment by chicksclimbing September 1, 2009 @ 10:26 pmAlways great to hear from you…we shared a powerful life experience! Kim
Sounds like a great hike and congrats on bagging the 13,800 ft peak. I love route finding too; it definitely makes it more of an adventure. Great quote: “the depths a human can go in the midst of discovering their potential achieved through adventure”
Comment by Hiking Lady September 18, 2009 @ 1:12 am